Saturday, July 26, 2014

Legazpi, Albay - The Oriental Hotel (June 12-14, 2014)

The Family loved its stay in The Oriental Legazpi Hotel with the majestic
sight of the perfect cone Mayon Volcano. As the hotel is located in the
Taysan Hill, had a spectacular view of the Mayon Volcano, Gulf of Albay
and an overlook of the picturesque and cordial city.


From the Legazpi airport, we were brought by the hotel's service to this
luxurious abode. The white-colored structure simply shows elegance and
luxury in its finest. It was so kind of the hotel that it allowed us to
check-in as early as 10AM instead of the regular check-in time of 2PM. 




At the bar...

At bakeshop where we bought the birthday cake of my son...
Jasmin restaurant...

How I love our bedroom with the view of the infinity pool and Mayon Volcano.
Our room was so spacious that we were able to request for another bed of
same size as the two. 




I really love this shot....on the infinity pool with the Mayon Volcano as
backdrop. Who wouldn't like to swim all day with this perfect view?
This view is the reason why I got our accommodation here in The Oriental
Hotel. 

The Family enjoyed the delicious buffet breakfast and dinner at Jasmin resto
offering a wide array of Bicol delicacies - shrimp laing, chili pasta, bicol express,
tinapa rice, and a lot more.....






The hotel's other amenities...




And what made this vacation special? Its the 8th birthday of my son Marty....


Saturday, July 19, 2014

Albay Tour (June 13, 2014)

Our Albay Tour wowed us with its diversed natural attractions, great architecture
of old churches, recreations, delectable cuisines and spectacular 360 degrees view
of the city.

Our tour started with a visit to Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Buraguis,
Legazpi City. It's a mini hill with life-sized statues re-enacting the
way of the cross. On top of the hill is the Blessed Virgin Mama Mary. 


At the Legazpi Boulevard, with the spectacular view of the Mayon Volcano
and the Kapuntukan Hill.  Can you see the sleeping lion shaped hill?

The 2nd longest boulevard to Roxas boulevard as they say.

Miguel Lopez de Legazpi(Spanish conquistador) monument stand tall in 
Legazpi Boulevard.

Embarcadero de Legazpi -  a waterfront lifestyle hub, commercial and 
entertainment center.  Restos, bars, coffee shops, boutiques and dept stores
attract both local and foreign tourists.

At the Lignon Hill Nature Park which offers a 360 degree panoramic view of 
Legazpi City, Daraga, Albay Gulf and the Mayon Volcano.


Can you see the Cebu Pacific airplane taking-off?


At last, got to see the always hiding volcano on our way to Mayon Skyline.

One of the most remarkable landmarks in Albay - Cagsawa Ruin.  A visit to
Albay is not complete without dropping by this postcard-perfect landmark
that withstood the test of time.  



Another picture perfect at the old century great facade of Daraga Church
or Church of Nuestra Senora de la Porteria(Our Lady of the Gate)
Church of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate - See more at: http://www.philippinetrails.com/bicol-attractions/daraga-church.html#sthash.YsimkbMS.dpuf
Church of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate - See more at: http://www.philippinetrails.com/bicol-attractions/daraga-church.html#sthash.YsimkbMS.dpuf
Church of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate - See more at: http://www.philippinetrails.com/bicol-attractions/daraga-church.html#sthash.YsimkbMS.dpuf



How amazing to see this white bell tower.  How I wish that all churches  here
in Manila will have their own bell towers too.


At the Red Labuyo restaurant on the right side of  Daraga Church overlooking 
the city and the Mayon.


At the 1st Colonial Grill, Legazpi where we had our lunch and tasted the
Chili Ice Cream it is known for. This resto was popularly known for its unique
and delicious dishes.


The nationally famous ice cream combination - sili, pili and tinutong na rice.

This is where I got and tasted the most delicious and crunchy pili nuts
in town in different flavors for 95PHP and up depending on size.  It also sells 
laing and bicol express in small bottles for 95PHP.


We ascended along the snake road of the most active volcano. Our closest 
encounter  with Mayon Volcano - Mayon Skyline View Deck after reaching 
1/4 of the volcano's body. A nature park with panoramic view of the 2 
towering Malinao and Masaraga mountains and grand view  of Albay. 
With picnic grove, kids playground and white rest house...




Dropped by the Ibalong Pasalubong Center for pasalubong stuff.

We availed the tour services of Discovery Islands for the whole day Albay tour
with office located inside the The Oriental Legazpi Hotel for 4,500PHP.  

And these what made us fell in love with Albay...